Preservation Wine Tour one big house party

What do you get when you combine wine, tours of beautifully preserved homes and support of a great cause? The Preservation Wine Tour, of course! Terri O’Neil, Historic Savannah Foundation’s development director, gave us the scoop about what folks can expect this year and why the foundation decided to launch the month-long Preservation Festival last year.

Last year was the first Preservation Festival. Why did you want to include the wine tour in the festivities?

HSF has been hosting the Preservation Wine Tour in May for the past three years. May is National Preservation Month, and in 2012, we introduced the Preservation Festival to celebrate what makes Savannah special. Showcasing past preservation award-winning properties and homes with architectural relevance is an opportunity to have a firsthand look at preservation success stories.

What were the challenges and triumphs of last year’s festival?

As it was our inaugural festival, our biggest challenge was creating a schedule of events that emphasized education, advocacy, enthusiasm and excitement. We wanted the entire community to embrace the city’s newest festival. In doing so, we had to consider our audience — both residents and visitors alike.

Our biggest triumph was the overwhelming interest we have received for our 2013 festival. ...In addition, we are proud to announce that Savannah has been named host city for the 2014 National Preservation Conference, which will be Nov. 10-14.

What can people who attend the Preservation Wine Tour expect?

This is a unique experience for attendees, as they are able to view privately owned homes in Savannah’s Historic Landmark District. Claude Auerbach of FORM has selected five summer wines for this year’s tour. At each tour site, guests will receive a wine tasting, paired with light fare prepared by some of the area’s finest chefs. A basket with each of the five wines will be raffled at the end of the evening.

What would the seven ladies think of the Preservation Festival and Preservation Wine Tour?

The seven ladies would be thrilled to see how our community is celebrating preservation, and they would be so very proud of the lasting impact their work helped to create.

The festival’s wrap party, on Thursday, May 23, is in honor of the seven founding ladies — Party for the Pearl of Preservation — at the Isaiah Davenport House Museum.

Why do wine and house-hopping go hand in hand?

The opportunity to be invited into a private home is special, and to experience true Southern hospitality one only needs to add a bit of wine to savor the occasion.

What were some of the kindest comments from last year’s festival and the wine tour?

Many commented that the tour was well organized and that each home was uniquely beautiful. Our most frequent comment came in the form of a question, “What is the date of next year’s wine tour?”

How are the homes for the wine tour selected?

Each site that is selected is chosen based on the example it sets as a representation of historic preservation and good stewardship in the community in addition to its architectural significance.

What does HSF feel makes Savannah one of the best places to live and visit in the world?

Savannah’s heritage as an historic city makes it one of the most beautifully unique places to visit and reside in the world. However, the city is further enhanced by a vibrant, eclectic and engaged community that makes it culturally unique, as well.